The question many people ask is: what came first, the wine or the town ? Logically, the sweet wine takes its name from that of the town. In 1773, the English merchant John Woodhouse was attracted by the intense taste of this wine aged in oak barrels. As a matter of fact the intensity of the flavour was similar to that of the Portuguese and Spanish wines, which were very popular in England at that time

History

The city of Marsala was founded around 400 BC by survivors of Mozia who, after fleeing their city, which was destroyed by Syracuse, found shelter by settling on the Marsala coast. Initially, the city was called Lilybaeum.

Throughout its existence, the city has been subject to numerous colonial attacks by people from different cultures. There were gloomy periods after it was destroyed by the Vandals and ended up under the dominion of Byzantium who ignored the requests for help leaving it at the mercy of pirate attacks.

Later, when it fell under Arab rule, the city underwent a complete rebirth. It was renamed Marsala and became the centre of naval trade throughout the Mediterranean. This trade brought riches and there was a real urban revolution where many buildings were built in the Arabic style.

After the Arabs, there were other people who were interested in colonising Marsala, including the Normans, the Swabians and the Aragonese, but it was not until Spanish rule that the city saw a new social and cultural development. The Spaniards exploited the fertility of the hinterland for cultivation, expanding the city and placing it among the most renowned Sicilian strongholds.

In 1817, the city of Marsala was included in the province of Trapani after the establishment of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies In 1860 Giuseppe Garibaldi and “The Thousand” landed in the harbor of Marsala and this was the starting point for the unification of Italy.

Marsala features numerous places of interest:

CHIESA MADRE (MOTHER CHURCH)

This is Marsala’s cathedral. Its construction began in 1176 and continued for several eras. As a result, visitors can distinguish various architectural styles, ranging from the original Norman, to Baroque and Byzantine. The church is dedicated to St Thomas.

PORTA GARIBALDI

It was constructed in 1685 by order of Charles II, King of Spain and Sicily. The gate is the most well-preserved of the other remaining gates in the city walls. It takes its name from the leader Giuseppe Garibaldi who passed through it on the day of his landing at Marsala.

MERCATO ANTICO (OLD MARKET)

This area is located near Porta Garibaldi and can be transformed according to the time of day. In the mornings it is a fish market where the numerous freshly caught fish are delivered and sold daily. In the evening, numerous nightclubs entertain tourists and residents with live music.

CHIESA DEL PURGATORIO (CHURCH OF THE PURGATORY)

In the opinion of many people, this is the most beautiful church in the Marsala area due to the Baroque style that characterises its interior and exterior. The columns and statues feature Corinthian elements while, inside, the naves and apses are decorated with beautiful stucco work.

WINE CELLARS

There are many wineries producing wine and Marsala throughout the area. The most famous ones, among the many in the historical centre, are MOZIA, FLORIO, DONNAFUGATA and PELLEGRINO. A guided tour explains how the wines are produced according to tradition and allows you to taste the various local products.

SUGGESTIONS

Marsala è una grande città sviluppata in estensione, ma il centro storico è relativamente piccolo e visitabile a piedi. Tuttavia, vale la pena spendere una giornata intera per visitare interamente questa stupenda città. Le numerose architetture e i luoghi storici valgono sicuramente il tempo della visita, accompagnati a qualche degustazione di cibi e vini locali.

LINK

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

20 minutes

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Once at the top, the panorama stretches for several kilometres along the coast to Capo Rossello.

Unfortunately, this area has been the victim of a great deal of unauthorised building, which has severely damaged the landscape and increased the hydro- geological risk.

SUGGESTIONS

The “staircase” can be reached from one of the two beaches that, along with the sea, embrace its base. It is not easy to find parking and the beach is accessible by following a sort of path that connects the beach to the road.

For those who decide to reach the top suitable footwear is recommended.

PRICE

Free of charge but a contribution may be requested.

LINK

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

2 hours

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History

The city originated in Greek times and was founded by Diodorus Siculus in 650 BC. Selinunte was able to quickly reach its peak, thanks to the riches coming from the commercial activity with the Sicilian Punic colonies and from the dominion it exercised over the vast surrounding territory. The turbulent relationship with the Segestians (see above) and the Carthaginians led the inhabitants of Selinuntes to an alliance with Syracuse, hoping for protection during the violent Punic wars. The allies, however, were not able to come to the rescue in time and in 409 BC the Carthaginians besieged the city and after only nine days Selinuntes fell under the control of the enemies.

Today the park retains its ancient charm and is accessible to the numerous visitors from all over the world. The archaeological site is very large but there are four main areas:

ACROPOLIS

It is situated on the central promontory. The area, considered sacred, is rich in temples sheltered by fortifications.

MANUZZA HILL

Located to the north, it was the centre of the city. It was the site of the Agora, the ancient settlement, and the place where social and political activity took place.

EASTERN HILL

This area was located outside the protective walls and was also a sacred area with very large temples.

CRAFT DISTRICT

This was the city’s industrial area. Located near the eastern walls, it was the centre of ceramic production thanks to the presence of kilns and numerous work areas.

SUGGESTIONS

The park is accessible to cars and some temples can be reached along a road that is only accessible to those who have paid the tickets. Visitors can choose to explore the entire area on foot or take advantage of the paid service that transports tourists around the park.

PRICE

€ 6 entrance to the archaeological park

LINK

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

1 hour and 10 minutes

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The old city of Segesta was built on Mount Barbaro, in the territory between Alcamo and Castellammare del Golfo. This archaeological park features a Doric-style temple and a theatre that dates back to the Hellenistic period. The theatre was built into the hill by excavating the rock. After some excavations, a medieval village and a Hellenistic-Roman town were found. Even today, it is not very clear who the real founder of this town was. Some myths claim that it was the Trojan Acestus, while Virgil narrates the legend that Aeneas was the true founder.

Segesta always experienced turbulent times, ever since its birth. In fact, the rivalry with Selinunte was the cause of numerous border wars that led to violent clashes. The Segesta wars began in 580 BC and continued for almost 200 years, also involving other Mediterranean cities such as Athens, Syracuse and Carthage. It was the Carthaginians who ended the war by supporting Segesta and destroying Selinunte. The city then allied with Rome to defend itself from the Carthaginians and remained allied until the fifth century when it fell under the control of the Vandals and was completely destroyed. Part of it was rebuilt with the addition of a castle by the Normans.

Present Day

Today, the ‘great temple’, the oldest in Doric style, stands on the west side of the park. It consists of numerous perimeter columns about 10 metres high. Although it is a Greek temple, its relation to the Hellenistic people is not clear. Some claim that the Greek influence is linked to the close commercial relationships that the cities had. In addition, it is believed that the work is of religious orientation but unfortunately remained uncompleted.

Nestled in Mount Barbaro at an altitude of 400 metres is the theatre of Segesta, also of Hellenic origin,and built around the 3rd century BC. The theatre seats up to 5000 people and is still used today to stage the same plays as in ancient times. The spectators are arranged in the six rows of the cavea and watch the performances surrounded by a spectacular landscape.

Segesta was built near the thermal springs. It is said that the Trojans had already discovered them and this was the reason for the construction of the city in this place. In addition to the thermal baths for commercial use, in Ponte Bagni there are several free sulphurous water pools where the temperature of the water is around 45 degrees Celsius.

SUGGESTIONS

Segesta can be reached by car but you have to walk to get to the temple and explore the archaeological site. It is advisable to go well equipped for a long stay in the heat and sun.

PRICE

€ 6 entrance to the archaeological park
Go to link to check the price of the thermal baths

LINK

http://www.termesegestane.com/

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

30 minutes

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The island of Favignana is the most important of the three major islands in the Egadi archipelago (the other two are Levanzo and Marettimo). It is characterised by jagged coastlines that sometimes give way to sandy coves. The houses built in tuff recall the old fishing villages of the early ‘900. The sea that surrounds the island is among the most crystal clear that you can see and provides unique colors to divers. In fact, this feature is much appreciated by diving and snorkelling enthusiasts as you can enjoy view of more than10 metres deep. The most popular destinations are Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra. Both beaches are characterised by white sand and an azure seabed. The protected waters close to the coast make these two coves very popular with families and children. Diving enthusiasts can choose the Bue Marino beach as their destination. In the past there was an old quarry here for extracting tuff and the remains of the excavations have provided visitors with springboards for jumping into the water.

SUGGESTIONS

The island can be reached by ferry from both Marsala and Trapani, but for sea lovers, the most popular solution is to rent a dinghy and reach Favignana in complete autonomy and then sail around the island and stop where you want.

Watch out for jellyfish. Sometimes, jellyfish may be pushed by the current towards the coast of the island. Check carefully before entering the water.

PRICE

Ferry prices vary depending on location and time of departure. In high season, it is advisable to book online in advance.

LINK

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

2 hours (including car journey to the port)

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Points of interest

SANCTUARY FORTRESS

Located in the central square, the sanctuary is built around the small chapel of San Vito Martyr, to whom a marble statue dating back to 1500, is dedicated. It is called sanctuary fortress because it was originally used to defend the population and the many pilgrims from pirate attacks.

CHAPEL OF SAINT CRESCENTIA

This is small Moorish-style chapel. It is said to have been built by the woman who was the saint’s nurse, and it was here that she took her last breath. The little church is located at the entrance of the village and its outline is one of the symbols of this town.

THE LIGHTHOUSE

The lighthouse has been in function since 1959 and is essential for the safety of navigation as it provides a clear reference point for all boats. At sunset, a romantic walk under the lighthouse is a classic while admiring the 43-metre lighthouse from the shore.

CALETTA DEL BUE MARINO

A sandy beach and unspoiled nature make this place a wilderness paradise. Nearby there is the small beach of Isulidda and the cliffs of Cala Mancina. Here you can practice many activities such as snorkelling, exploring underwater caves and climbing.

GROTTA DELL’UZZO

It is located about 10 kilometres from San Vito and is considered one of the most important prehistoric archaeology sites in Sicily. Fossils of lions, rhinoceroses and even mammoths have been found inside. Traces of human settlements dating back ten thousand years ago have also been found.

SUGGESTIONS

San Vito Lo Capo hosts several festivals, including sport climbing and kite flying. The most important is the CousCous Fest, an event that has been commemorating peace and integration for over 20 years through this typical dish.

PRICE

The beach has lidos and a public area.

LINK

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

1 hour

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Points of interest

TUNA FISHERY

This is the main attraction in the town. It was built in the 13th century and is among the oldest in Sicily. You can visit the complex and inside there is the diving centre.

FARAGLIONI (Sea Stacks)

This is another place that absolutely deserves to be visited because the colors visible here are like a work of art. The stacks stand out imposingly from the water and are covered by typical Mediterranean vegetation.

CALA BIANCA

This is the place where nature rules. This cove is for those who want to spend some time in absolute tranquillity. The deep, crystal-clear waters, the white rocks and the clarity of the water make it suitable for snorkelling enthusiasts.

PRICE

€4 entrance to Tuna Fishery

LINK

scopello.sicilia.it

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

1 hour

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In the reserve there are several caves and seven ‘coves’, small inlets where the coastline embraces the crystal clear blue waters of the sea. Each cove has different characteristics from the others except for the presence of shiny marine pebbles.

SUGGESTIONS

In the reserve there are several caves and seven ‘coves’, small inlets where the coastline embraces the crystal clear blue waters of the sea. Each cove has different characteristics from the others except for the presence of shiny marine pebbles.

Unfortunately, the reserve is temporarily closed to the public due to the severe fire that hit this area on 29 August 2020. The coves can only be reached by boat.

PRICE

€5 entrance to the reserve
Pets are not allowed

LINK

www.riservanaturalezingaro.com

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

1 hour

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The panorama from Erice is breathtaking. On one side you can enjoy the view of Trapani, the salt pans, the Egadi islands and Marsala. On some days you can even catch a glimpse of the island of Pantelleria. On the northernmost side, the Gulf of Castellammare and the Tyrrhenian Sea fade into various shades of blue. Artistic, historical and cultural exhibitions and events are organised at various times of the year. Visit the website for more information

SUGGESTIONS

Erice can only be reached by car or cable car and is only accessible on foot. It is important to bear in mind that the temperature is variable depending on the weather conditions. For example, cloud banks and cold wind can cause a drastic drop in temperature so remember to wear suitable clothing.

PRICE

€ 9 return cable car ride
Event prices change each time

LINK
https://www.fondazioneericearte.org/erice.php
http://www.prolocoerice.it/index.asp?pag=home

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

• Cable car departure square: 29 minutes
• Erice car park: 43 minutes

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The Windmill

A distinguishing construction of the salt pans of Trapani is the windmill. The movement of the six wooden blades , covered in sail cloth, moved the water into the tanks to begin the process of evaporation. As a result, the salt pans could only function under certain weather conditions: wind was needed to move the mill, the sun was needed to evaporate the water, and low rainfall was necessary for high temperatures and low humidity. Nowadays, only a few salt pans are still operating and manual work has been almost entirely replaced by machines.

Places of interest

The salt pans of Nubia are among the few remaining in activity. You can reach them by car and they can be visited. There is also a salt museum where you can take a small guided tour to learn in detail the techniques of the extraction and operation of the mill as well as all the properties of salt. Towards the end of the summer, you can watch the salt harvest.

PRICE

€ 2,50

LINK

http://www.museodelsale.it/

DISTANCE FROM KITE HOSTEL STAGNONE

25 minutes

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